CHP: Car in fatal hit-and-run found

SANTA CRUZ -- CHP officers have found the maroon Nissan that they believe hit cyclist Zachary Parke in a fatal hit-and-run on Empire Grade Road near UC Santa Cruz on June 8.

No one has been arrested, CHP officer Sarah Jackson said Tuesday, but the car was found in Santa Cruz in recent days. Jackson said the investigation is ongoing and she could not release details on where the car was found or the identity of its driver.

April Parke, Zachary's mother, said the new development was encouraging.

"That's really, really good. I feel hopeful that we don't have to think about who did this and we can totally think about Zach," Parke said. "We just want to celebrate Zach."

Parke, 25, had been visiting friends on the UC Santa Cruz campus the night of June 7 when he started to ride home just after midnight, authorities said. An avid cyclist and rock climber, Parke said goodbye to another cyclist friend at Heller Drive and Empire Grade Road at midnight.

Parke rode south on Empire Grade Road on his seven-speed road bike and was hit by a driver headed south, the CHP said. Parke's body and bike were found by a passing cyclist who notified authorities about 8 a.m.

Parke was declared dead at the scene. Bike and car debris at the scene led authorities to believe that a maroon Nissan or Infiniti was involved.

Jackson said the investigation is ongoing and declined to discuss the case further.

"I hope that any development can encourage Parke's family and friends and loved ones," she said. "We are still working on this."

April Parke said in a tearful interview Tuesday that she wanted to find the messenger bag that her son was wearing during the crash.

CHP officers collected evidence at the crash scene, but Jackson said officers did not find the messenger bag. Because about eight hours elapsed between the crash and the 911 call, it is unknown what happened to the bag, Jackson said.

Zachary Parke had designed the bag for a company he was starting. It was black with a blue stripe and a "P" on it, April Parke said.

"I'm thinking someone saw the bag down there and took it," Parke said.

She said the bag had climbing gear in it, but she was less concerned with its contents than its sentimental value.

She asked that it be turned in to a public place such as a library with a note to contact police. No questions would be asked, she said.

April Parke said her son's death has angered her and many others who knew him. She wants the driver held accountable.

"I want this person to take responsibility so that everyone who loved Zachary can celebrate who he was," Parke said.

The CHP thanked the public and media for their help in spreading information about the hit-and-run. Officers said that no more information was needed.

IF YOU GO

Memorial bike ride

What: Friends and supporters of Zachary Parke are having a memorial bicycle ride to honor Parke's life and rally cyclists.

WHEN: Gather at 5 p.m. Saturday, depart at 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Town Clock, Pacific Avenue and Water Street in Santa Cruz

WHAT: The slow-paced ride will lead cyclists from downtown Santa Cruz to Empire Grade Road near the West Entrance of UC Santa Cruz where Parke was struck and killed.